Boy Scouts Rescued from River in West Virginia

A Boy Scout river adventure in West Virginia took a surprising turn on Saturday, transforming into a rescue operation when 28 Scouts became stranded due to rapid flooding.

On Saturday afternoon, the scouts, who were exploring the Cacapon River in Hampshire County, encountered swift water that escalated unexpectedly, prompting them to seek safety on shore. However, they soon found themselves trapped on the opposite side of the river.

Micah Campbell, a member of the group, shared that they had intended to enjoy an ordinary day on the river. Unfortunately, conditions changed quickly after a storm passed through. “We were playing in the river, and it turned out the current and strength of the river was a little stronger than we expected,” he noted.

The scouts had initially moved toward the bank hoping to find refuge, but they quickly realized they were stranded. “When some of the boys went into the river, we decided to call it off and go up to shore,” Campbell recounted. “And now we were on the other side of the river and needed help crossing.”

Jeffrey West, whose father owns a cabin near the location where the boys were stuck, reported that rescue teams were summoned to the scene. After some time, a watercraft arrived to safely transport the scouts back across the river. They were stranded for about 45 minutes in total.

Reflecting on the day, West chuckled and said, “It’s been a day,” adding he had anticipated a quiet weekend at the cabin instead. Once they were safe, the boys gathered in a cabin where they enjoyed pizza and hot cocoa while waiting for rides home. Arrangements were being made to assist the scouts in leaving the area.